Frequently Asked Questions

Although everyone can benefit from the flu shot, the NWT Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that priority be given to the following risk groups:

• adults aged 65 or older;

• adults and children with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma) severe enough to require medical follow-up or hospital care;

• adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes or other metabolic diseases, cancer, immunodeficiency (including HIV infection), renal disease, immunosuppression, anemia and hemoglobinopathy;

• persons of any age who are residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities;

• children and adolescents (aged 6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicyclic acid;

• persons at high risk of influenza complications who have trips planned to destinations where influenza is likely to be circulating; and

• any individual with neuromuscular disorders (i.e. multiple sclerosis).

The flu is an illness caused by the influenza virus which:

• affects your lungs and airways;

• is very contagious and spreads easily between people; and

• usually lasts 5-7 days, but cough and tiredness can last several weeks.

The flu usually causes:

• fever lasting 3-4 days

• chills

• muscle and joint aches

• headache

• dry cough

• fatigue

• sore throat

• runny nose

If you get the flu:

• stay home;

• drink lots of fluids - water and juice are best;

• rest;

• wash hands often;

• humidity (warm showers, baths, cool humidifier);

• cough medicine may be helpful;

• gargle with warm water; and

• take acetaminophen (Exdol, Panadol, Tylenol, etc.) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.). These are two different analgesics. (Note: Use this medication as per the directions in the Do I Need To See the Nurse/Doctor self-care handbook).

The flu can be spread through droplets of respiratory tract secretions from people who are sick:

• by breathing in the virus when a sick person sneezes, talks or coughs; or

• after close contact with an infected person or touching something that they have handled, carrying the virus to your own nose, eyes or mouth through your own hands.

The single most important step you can take to prevent spreading the flu is to wash your hands often, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, and before handling food.  Other steps that you can take include:

• avoiding direct contact with people who have the flu;

• getting a yearly vaccination of the flu shot to avoid getting or lessening the severity of the flu; and

• not sharing eating utensils or drinks.